Theoretical approaches and results of empirical research on the relationship between cultural values, economic settings and aptitudes towards innovations in Russia are introduced. Empirical results showed that economic development in Russia is facilitated by acknowledgment of Intellectual and Affective Autonomy, and Skills (in other words, recognition of the values of independence and activity of an individual). From the other side, economic development is impeded by the values of Affiliation and Hierarchy that maintain settings of economic paternalism and that are negatively correlated with the level of psychological well­being of an individual. It was demonstrated that regardless of age and ethnicity of an individual, the universal cultural factors of Intellectual Autonomy and Skills facilitate a creative and innovative aptitude of Russian people, but the value of Hierarchy impedes it.